A kitchen countertop can make or break the look and feel of your kitchen. With so many options to choose from like granite, marble, quartz, laminate, and more – it can be overwhelming trying to select the perfect countertop. If you’re looking to make a bold statement and want a countertop that is artsy, stylish, and inspiring – a red countertop is the way to go.
Red countertops allow you to showcase your unique style and personality. They instantly liven up the space and add drama and flair. A vibrant red countertop elicits passion and makes a strong first impression. There are many shades of red to choose from like cherry, apple, fire engine, burgundy – so you can select the right hue that complements your existing decor.
Beyond making a fashionable design statement, a red countertop has many advantages that make it a functional and practical option as well. Read on to learn all about the key benefits of a red countertop and how to choose the perfect material, style, and shade for your space.
Benefits of a Red Countertop
A red countertop offers numerous benefits beyond just aesthetics. Here are some of the top reasons to consider a red countertop for your kitchen remodel or new build.
Adds High Visual Impact
This cannot be overstated. A red countertop makes a dramatic statement and instantly becomes a focal point in your kitchen. Red evokes passion, excitement, and energy – and a vibrant red countertop is guaranteed to get attention.
Red works wonderfully as an accent color and pairs nicely with other bold or neutral cabinetry and furnishings. A red countertop in a sea of white or black cabinets makes the space pop. It highlights your design sensibilities.
Timeless and Classic
While trends come and go, red remains a classic color that has staying power. A red countertop has a timeless look that won’t appear dated. It’s simultaneously retro and modern.
In fact, red is traditionally used in older Victorian kitchen designs. But it also has a contemporary vibe. A red countertop transcends design eras and styles.
Adds Warmth to a Space
Red is also known for creating a warm, inviting ambiance in a space. It can make modern kitchens feel more cozy and give off an earthy vibe. The rich hue of a red countertop adds character and a subtle touch of color without overwhelming the space.
Distinct and Customized
Most homeowners opt for safe, neutral countertop colors like white, black, or gray. But a red countertop is anything but boring. It makes a personalized design statement. No two red counters likely look the same.
You can select from various materials and red hues. This allows you to customize it exactly to your preferences. A red countertop reflects your unique personality.
Complements Other Colors
A red countertop pairs nicely with a wide range of cabinetry, flooring, and wall colors. For example, red pops against white or black cabinets. It also complements deeper wood stains and painted cabinets.
Red works nicely with metals like stainless steel or chrome. It also pairs well with natural materials like stone or wood. The color red is bold yet versatile.
Stylish Materials for a Red Countertop
Once you decide on a red countertop, you’ll want to select the right material. The material impacts the exact red tone and pattern you’ll get. It also affects durability and maintenance requirements. Here are some of the most stylish and practical options for a red countertop:
Granite
Granite is a high-end natural stone that makes a bold style statement. There are many red granite varieties to pick from, like Santa Cecelia, Rosso Alicante, and Red Jasper.
Granite is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. It also resists heat. The natural patterning and veining of red granite make each countertop unique. However, granite requires regular sealing.
Quartzite
For a brilliant red stone surface, consider quartzite like Dragon Red quartzite. Quartzite has an intense, vivid red color. It’s also one of the hardest stones available, making it incredibly durable.
Like granite, quartzite is completely natural. But it doesn’t need frequent sealing like granite since it’s non-porous. However, quartzite does require occasional polish to maintain its glossy look.
Quartz
Engineered quartz offers man-made alternatives to natural stone. Quartz is an attractive option for a consistent, vibrant red surface. Popular options include Sauvage Red Quartz or Color Quartz in Cherry Red.
Quartz is super durable and scratch-resistant. It never needs sealing either. Thanks to its high-quality resins, the color stays true and uniform. However, quartz has a more uniform look than natural stone.
Solid Surface
For a seamless, modern look, a red solid surface like Corian is a smart bet. Corian makes a popular crimson-colored solid surface material. You can even get coordinating sinks and edges done in the solid surface.
Solid surface requires minimal maintenance and holds up well. But it can’t withstand heat as well as stone and lacks the uniqueness of natural materials.
Laminate
Laminate offers an affordable option for red countertops. Several companies like Formica or Wilsonart make laminate in various red glossy or matte options. Professional installation provides a seamless appearance.
Laminate stands up quite well to daily use and resists scratches. But cutting directly on a laminate countertop can damage the surface. Laminate also can’t withstand high heat.
Tile
For a bold mosaic look, turn to red ceramic, porcelain or glass tile. Vibrant Spanish quarry tile makes a rustic Old World statement. Or get a sleek modern look with contemporary red and orange glass tile.
The grout lines in tile make it higher maintenance than other materials. But tile allows you to customize shapes, layouts, and designs. And it’s simple to replace any damaged tiles.
Styles of Red Countertops
Beyond the material, the overall shape and design of your red countertop make a difference in your space. Here are some on-trend options to consider:
Waterfall Edge
A waterfall countertop features an edge that “falls” slightly below the base cabinetry. Combined with a vibrant red hue, this makes a dramatic style statement. The waterfall edge showcases the material and livens up the lines.
Beveled Edge
For sleek lines, a beveled edge creates a subtle angle along the perimeter of the countertop. This works nicely for a minimalist contemporary vibe. It also makes red quartz or solid surface look extra chic.
Bullnose Edge
A bullnose edge has a rounded, curved shape. It softens the look of a red countertop and makes it feel more welcoming. It also gives the surface a nice finishing touch.
Mitered Edge
Instead of squared corners, a mitered edge bevels the corners at an angled diagonal cut. This gives the countertop a framed look. It’s an attractive option for an island or other standalone counter space.
Integrated Sink
Getting a coordinated red sink as part of your countertop creates a streamlined, seamless look. Materials like quartz and solid surface make sinks easy to integrate. You can even get sinks matched to tile.
Shades of Red Countertops
Red may seem simple, but there’s a wide spectrum of shades and tones to pick from. Here are some options to consider:
Fire Engine Red
This bold, vibrant, primary red grabs attention. Fire engine red has an intense orange undertone. It feels retro, lively, and upbeat.
Cherry Red
For a slightly darker, richer red, cherry red has hints of purple and brown. It feels sophisticated and luxe, lending a touch of drama.
Burgundy
Deeper burgundy reds have an elegant feel with brown, purple, and wine undertones. Burgundy feels refined and pairs nicely with darker cabinetry.
Apple Red
Apple red is a bright candy or berry-inspired hue. This fun red feels youthful, playful, and modern. It pops against white or black cabinets.
Terra Cotta
Earthy terra cotta reds have a burnt orange vibe. The natural clay-inspired tone feels warm, laid back, and casual. It’s versatile for farmhouse or Tuscan decors.
Making a Red Countertop the Focal Point
Installing a red countertop makes a bold statement. But you want to ensure the color doesn’t feel jarring or overwhelm the space. Here are some tips for making a red countertop a stylish focal point:
- Contrast with light cabinets. White or off-white cabinets allow the vibrant red to take center stage. Black cabinets also make the red stand out.
- Use neutrals elsewhere. Keep other surfaces like backsplashes and floors in natural, muted tones. This prevents clashing with the bright red.
- Repeat accents subtly. Tie in small accents like red bar stools or a red backsplash tile. But don’t overdo the red or it loses impact.
- Light it right. Proper lighting shows off a red counter perfectly. Use LEDs or natural light across the surface to illuminate it.
- Keep visual space around it. Avoid cluttering the counters or hanging low pendant lights. This allows the eye to focus on the vibrant red.
Inspiring Red Kitchen Countertops
To help inspire your design, here are some gorgeous examples of red kitchen countertops:
The vivid red quartzite island makes a bold statement against the bright white cabinets in this transitional kitchen. The matching red bar stools and subtle red and blue backsplash provide perfect supporting accents.
This retro diner-style kitchen features a cherry red laminate countertop paired with chrome trim and accents. The coordinating cherry red barstools continue the 1950s vibe.
The white and fire engine red tile countertop adds a punchy pop of color to this traditional kitchen. The mosaic tile pattern has dimension and texture.
The dramatic black and burgundy granite countertop pairs nicely with the black cabinetry and stainless steel appliances in this modern kitchen.
FAQs About Red Countertops
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about red countertops:
Is a red countertop hard to match decor with?
While a vibrant red countertop makes a bold statement, it’s quite versatile to match decor with if done right. Stick with neutral cabinetry and simple backsplashes. Then use red as a dramatic accent piece. For a unified look, bring in red tones subtly elsewhere like bar stools or appliances.
Do red countertops work with any cabinet color?
The most popular cabinet colors paired with red countertops are crisp white and bold black. But red can also complement navy blue, gray, wood, or painted cabinets nicely. Avoid matching red cabinets and red counters – this will likely feel overly red.
What finish works best for a red countertop?
Matte finishes downplay the vibrancy slightly for a more subtle look. But glossy or polished finishes better capture the deep, dramatic tones of red and make it gleam. A high-shine finish looks best on Quartz, granite, solid surface or glossy laminate.
Is a red countertop hard to keep clean?
Like any countertop material, a red surface needs regular cleaning to keep it looking its best and remove bacteria. Red hides stains and discoloration better than light countertops. But spills should be wiped up quickly before staining, especially with porous materials like granite.
Can you get a red countertop on a budget?
Yes, red laminate is an affordable option under $40 per square foot installed. Ceramic tile runs $20-50 per square foot. Low-end granite and quartz cost $40-80 per square foot. While premium natural stone and quartz get up to $100-150 installed.
How do you protect or seal a red countertop?
Sealing is crucial for natural stone like granite and quartzite to prevent staining and etching. Seal these annually. Quartz and solid surface are lower maintenance and only need cleaning, not sealing. Laminate and tile don’t require sealing but should be cleaned diligently.
Conclusion
A red kitchen countertop makes a dramatic statement and brings invigorating style to any space. From sleek modern spaces to cozy traditional designs, a vibrant red countertop livens things up and steals the show as a focal feature.
With natural and engineered options in various red hues, you can find the perfect red countertop to match your existing decor. Durability, maintenance needs, budget and overall style preferences should guide your material selection.
When thoughtfully incorporated, a red countertop injects artsy, bold flair and becomes a conversation piece. If you’re looking to transform your kitchen with color, uniqueness, and character – a Red Countertop Artsy, Stylish, Bold and Inspiring Countertops is the way to go. Bring your design vision to life with this vibrant and versatile color.